A raft of sporting heroes will descend on Stirling for one of the world’s top cross country events, it has been confirmed.

The Simplyhealth Great Stirling XCountry will take place in the City Park, at Falleninch Field, against the backdrop of Stirling Castle, on Saturday, January 12.

The Stirling Observer reported on Wednesday that event organisers the Great Run Company were in talks with an interested party – believed to be Stirling Council – over the future of the event.

And now it has been announced that the race, which previously has featured the likes of Mo Farah and Laura Muir, is coming to the city.

The international event is considered only second in terms of prestige to the world cross country championships and is watched by millions on television.

Since 2005 the race has been hosted in Edinburgh, but earlier this year, during BBC’s televised coverage of the event, it was announced that it would be moving elsewhere as of 2019.

And bosses from the Great Run Company, who are also responsible for the Stirling Scottish Marathon, insist they are pleased with their new setting.

Commercial director Nicky Homes said: “We’re delighted to be able to announce Stirling as the new location for the event.

“We’ve worked closely with EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, to keep this iconic athletics event in Scotland.”

They add that the event will continue to attract top sporting talent, will be broadcast live on BBC and will be free to spectate.

There will also be an opportunity for amateur runners to take part in a mass participation event on the same day.

Brendan Foster, chairman of the Great Run Company, added: “Stirling as a city is embracing sport as an important part of its future, it’s the perfect location for the event, which is a hugely significant fixture in the international athletics calendar.”

The event was first staged in England in 1988 and the event boasts a rich history from down the years with the likes of Paula Radcliffe, Liz McColgan and Haile Gebrselassie competing

Stirling Council leader, councillor Scott Farmer, said: “Securing such a prestigious event is a massive success for Stirling Council.

“With thanks to Active Stirling and our partners this will bring a fantastic economic and tourism boost to the area and shows our blossoming reputation as a destination for sporting events.

“The iconic landscape of Stirling, with the castle overlooking Falleninch Field, is the perfect setting for these championships and we are pleased to welcome all the athletes and visitors from around the world for this occasion.”

Paul Bush, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, added: “The backdrop of the castle and the Trossachs will provide a suitably iconic setting for this signature event, which will kick-off an exciting year of amazing international sporting events for the country.”